First S6 drive, was it representative?
Discussion
So, I've just had my first experience of driving (or even being in) a S6 engined car after owning a Griffith 500 for 16 years. I've fancied a change for a few years now and have always looked at the Tamora as a possible upgrade. I knew that the general engine characteristics are a lot different on the S6 from the V8 but as I've only driven one I've nothing to compare my experience to. I know it would be sensible to drive another for comparison but there's just not that many around. So I wanted to ask if my limited experience was typical by those in the know. It's always hard on a test drive when the garage representative is sitting with you, when your trying to navigate potholes, attempting to learn the biting point and then there's those floor-mounted pedals to deal with!
Eventually I got onto a straight bit of tarmac and at around 40-50mph I pushed down on the loud pedal, which would in the Griff result in a good shunt from the rear and you'd be pushed forward. But in the tamora nothing really happened. Is this sort of behaviour normal for the 3.6 S6? I know power is delivered in a different way in these cars so maybe I need to change my expectations / driving style?
Thanks folks
Lee
Eventually I got onto a straight bit of tarmac and at around 40-50mph I pushed down on the loud pedal, which would in the Griff result in a good shunt from the rear and you'd be pushed forward. But in the tamora nothing really happened. Is this sort of behaviour normal for the 3.6 S6? I know power is delivered in a different way in these cars so maybe I need to change my expectations / driving style?
Thanks folks
Lee
Yep, that sounds about right - they are VERY different engines. In my Griff 500, I would regularly forget it even had a gearbox, the shove was so great from idle.
You don't mention what gear you were in when you did your experiment, roughly I could expect the outcome would be: 4th - nothing 3rd - meh, 2nd - hmm 1st - OH MY. The speed six produces much of its power at the top end, a good deal of it beyond the point of mechanical sympathy. It's not a problem, if anything it makes for a more engaging drive - a race car like experience. And ultimately, there IS more power than the V8 and the engine surely must weigh less.
I would also comment that a LOT can be done with the final drive ratio. Yes, I'm sure an epic experience is gained by spending 10-12K on a 4.3/4.5 rebuild (I've never driven one) but within my talent on the road, with a shorter final drive, I have never thought "I wish this was much faster". And certainly neither has my father, trying to keep up in a 997
A further comparison with the V8s that wouldn't be evident on a first test drive: the T series REALLY go round corners (or can be made to for relatively little money). I could only drive my Griff connecting straight lines. The T series is engaging all the way along the road.
You don't mention what gear you were in when you did your experiment, roughly I could expect the outcome would be: 4th - nothing 3rd - meh, 2nd - hmm 1st - OH MY. The speed six produces much of its power at the top end, a good deal of it beyond the point of mechanical sympathy. It's not a problem, if anything it makes for a more engaging drive - a race car like experience. And ultimately, there IS more power than the V8 and the engine surely must weigh less.
I would also comment that a LOT can be done with the final drive ratio. Yes, I'm sure an epic experience is gained by spending 10-12K on a 4.3/4.5 rebuild (I've never driven one) but within my talent on the road, with a shorter final drive, I have never thought "I wish this was much faster". And certainly neither has my father, trying to keep up in a 997
A further comparison with the V8s that wouldn't be evident on a first test drive: the T series REALLY go round corners (or can be made to for relatively little money). I could only drive my Griff connecting straight lines. The T series is engaging all the way along the road.
LeeHodges said:
So, I've just had my first experience of driving (or even being in) a S6 engined car after owning a Griffith 500 for 16 years. I've fancied a change for a few years now and have always looked at the Tamora as a possible upgrade. I knew that the general engine characteristics are a lot different on the S6 from the V8 but as I've only driven one I've nothing to compare my experience to. I know it would be sensible to drive another for comparison but there's just not that many around. So I wanted to ask if my limited experience was typical by those in the know. It's always hard on a test drive when the garage representative is sitting with you, when your trying to navigate potholes, attempting to learn the biting point and then there's those floor-mounted pedals to deal with!
Eventually I got onto a straight bit of tarmac and at around 40-50mph I pushed down on the loud pedal, which would in the Griff result in a good shunt from the rear and you'd be pushed forward. But in the tamora nothing really happened. Is this sort of behaviour normal for the 3.6 S6? I know power is delivered in a different way in these cars so maybe I need to change my expectations / driving style?
Thanks folks
Lee
the 3.6 needs rev for going forward. cant be compared to a V8 in pushing the pedal with 2K rpm and thats it. revs must be kept above 3.5K rpm that something will happen. if you want to have a more v8esque S6 experience a 4.3 4.5 will do the job.........Eventually I got onto a straight bit of tarmac and at around 40-50mph I pushed down on the loud pedal, which would in the Griff result in a good shunt from the rear and you'd be pushed forward. But in the tamora nothing really happened. Is this sort of behaviour normal for the 3.6 S6? I know power is delivered in a different way in these cars so maybe I need to change my expectations / driving style?
Thanks folks
Lee
gacksen said:
the 3.6 needs rev for going forward. cant be compared to a V8 in pushing the pedal with 2K rpm and thats it. revs must be kept above 3.5K rpm that something will happen. if you want to have a more v8esque S6 experience a 4.3 4.5 will do the job.........
I was just about to type pretty much this 
Oh, ok. Again, I am coming into this a bit blind as it were. Yes, I was in 4th so that'd explain it. I guess I just wanted to ensure it wasn't an issue with that car. I have to decide if the S6 suits me as a driver. Out of interest, does anyone know anything about the white tamora at Selby TVR? The present owner had a full engine rebuild by trackVroad.
Hi there,
I can only tell about my experience when I let go my old Chimaera 450 and got my Tamora 4.0 last year. I never have driven another S6 so no comparison in the S6 range. The Chim was always fun to me even with its standard gear. On twisty roads most of the time I could keep it going in 3rd to find that joy of driving and I loved that rumbling engine/exhaust. However above 5.000 rpm was not really more to expect from that engine.
I've had the Tamora now for a year an some 4.000 mls. It's got a 4.0 upgrade, adjustable Nitron dampers and for a couple of weeks now 17'' wheels because of the poor b roads over here and because of the look. Tam is a bit more difficult driving around town and is not that willing when cold. As told before, fun in a tamora starts when it is almost over for the Rover V8. Above 4.500 rpm this car starts to transform itself into a missile. Take 2nd gear for the bends you took in 3rd with the Griff and keep it going between 5.000 and more than 7.000. Then you really will feel the difference between these cars. With a proper gear setup this car handles like a dream and is really well settled. I always get the impression to think myself around the bends. Steering is great as are the brakes even though braking needs a firmer kick to the pedal as you might know from your Griff.
Try to find someone who gives you a proper ride in his Tamora to find out if this car matches your car passion. I personally never would swap back to a Chimaera as long as I can afford my Tam. Great car. Honestly.
Cheers
Tom
I can only tell about my experience when I let go my old Chimaera 450 and got my Tamora 4.0 last year. I never have driven another S6 so no comparison in the S6 range. The Chim was always fun to me even with its standard gear. On twisty roads most of the time I could keep it going in 3rd to find that joy of driving and I loved that rumbling engine/exhaust. However above 5.000 rpm was not really more to expect from that engine.
I've had the Tamora now for a year an some 4.000 mls. It's got a 4.0 upgrade, adjustable Nitron dampers and for a couple of weeks now 17'' wheels because of the poor b roads over here and because of the look. Tam is a bit more difficult driving around town and is not that willing when cold. As told before, fun in a tamora starts when it is almost over for the Rover V8. Above 4.500 rpm this car starts to transform itself into a missile. Take 2nd gear for the bends you took in 3rd with the Griff and keep it going between 5.000 and more than 7.000. Then you really will feel the difference between these cars. With a proper gear setup this car handles like a dream and is really well settled. I always get the impression to think myself around the bends. Steering is great as are the brakes even though braking needs a firmer kick to the pedal as you might know from your Griff.
Try to find someone who gives you a proper ride in his Tamora to find out if this car matches your car passion. I personally never would swap back to a Chimaera as long as I can afford my Tam. Great car. Honestly.
Cheers
Tom
Edited by beemercaf on Sunday 17th April 10:40
Edited by beemercaf on Sunday 17th April 10:41
Might be best, Lee, to keep the Griff. In my case only one sportscar has to do the job as there are on top an everydays car, a convertible cruiser and a motorbike to keep me entertained. In my dreams I can imagine owning half a dozen different TVRs as they are great cars and still a lot of value for the money.
Hi Lee - I find when doing Speed Six TVR back to back test drives, the customer nearly always prefers the second car they drive, even if the first car is actually better to drive. So another car, or a second test drive, might help you make up your mind? And given the choice between a Griffith and a Tamora, I prefer the Tamora - it handles better; you can use more of the power more of the time; and it's quicker.
Hi beemercaf - what tyres and sizes have you gone for on your 17" alloys? You got a photo of the car you can post up? It's something I've been thinking about trying on my own Tamora.
Hi beemercaf - what tyres and sizes have you gone for on your 17" alloys? You got a photo of the car you can post up? It's something I've been thinking about trying on my own Tamora.
TVRinBFG said:
Hi Lee - I find when doing Speed Six TVR back to back test drives, the customer nearly always prefers the second car they drive, even if the first car is actually better to drive. So another car, or a second test drive, might help you make up your mind? And given the choice between a Griffith and a Tamora, I prefer the Tamora - it handles better; you can use more of the power more of the time; and it's quicker.
Hi beemercaf - what tyres and sizes have you gone for on your 17" alloys? You got a photo of the car you can post up? It's something I've been thinking about trying on my own Tamora.
I think you're right; anyone in Staffordshire got a standard Tamora they're willing to take me out in / discuss the nuts and bolts of? Hi beemercaf - what tyres and sizes have you gone for on your 17" alloys? You got a photo of the car you can post up? It's something I've been thinking about trying on my own Tamora.
Also the stupid question, did you actually floor it all the way ? The pedal travel is extraordinarily long, bordering on painful at true full extent. When I test drove a Tuscan for the first time it felt similar, I put it down to the 13 years since I drove my Chim. James Agger told me the story of when they were first released and demo'd on a track day, the dealer reps all said the same thing to the factory reps. Fresh laps soon sorted out their opinions. The power delivery is very diiferent though, I always described the RV8 as somewaht "lazy" which confused many people that hadn't experienced it.
Once you realise the difference in the power bands between the old RV8 and S6, you'll find the former is more like a old diesel engine, plenty of oomph when you first press the loud pedal and then it's all gone! The S6 just keep giving, and the more you keep your foot planted to the floor, the faster you go, the engine has a much wider power band - and the torque/power curve is much more linier, making it 'seem' slower. But it's not...
The same. Went from a 400 chim to a Tuscan. Test drive was dull and the car felt gutless still bought it as I was in love with the styling.
Anyway once in your ownership you really start to appreciate what a truly amazing engine the speed six is and with proper RnD by TVR it really could have been something a totally different story formTVR. Powers etal have done wonders for the reliability of these engines and have taken performance to a new level.
Anyway now in my second Tuscan and this being a 3.6 and I wouldn't swap for anything else.....
Anyway once in your ownership you really start to appreciate what a truly amazing engine the speed six is and with proper RnD by TVR it really could have been something a totally different story formTVR. Powers etal have done wonders for the reliability of these engines and have taken performance to a new level.
Anyway now in my second Tuscan and this being a 3.6 and I wouldn't swap for anything else.....
Speed 3 said:
Also the stupid question, did you actually floor it all the way ? The pedal travel is extraordinarily long
I didn't, I have to say. I knew there was supposed to be a long pedal but on my test drive I just didn't feel ready to test its length! Given what you've all said, I feel assured that the engine will perform for me, despite that I've got to reprogram my driving brain.chris watton said:
Once you realise the difference in the power bands between the old RV8 and S6, you'll find the former is more like a old diesel engine, plenty of oomph when you first press the loud pedal and then it's all gone!
I agree, Chris. My wife thinks I'm mad but there have been times where I've felt the V8 left me wanting at times. Gassing Station | Tamora, T350 & Sagaris | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff